Hey! I’m Alana!  I’m currently a graduate student pursuing my PhD in sociology. I’ve received both my bachelors and masters degree in the same field. I also operate a personal/lifestyle blog at AlanaJamelle.com. I was born and raised in sunny Southern California, and I am now currently living in New Orleans, Louisiana with my best friend, my cat: Princeton Marcel. I am a body positive yogi, an undercover tattoo addict, a food obsessor, a flamboyant acrylic nail aficionado, a statement necklace collector, a make up lover, a dread-head, and an advocate for people of color.

Additionally, I am exceptionally passionate about self-love and self-care. I believe that it is beyond important for us to prioritize ourselves in our lives in order for us to be as productive as possible. I know for myself, it has been a journey to get to a healthy space in my life as I navigate my way through grad school as a woman of color. I look forward to contributing my thoughts, advice, commentary, and anecdotes to The Pinky Swear Society in the hopes that it may help someone else make it through their challenges as blogging helps me work through mine.

-Alana Jamelle

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5